Modified atmosphere for food preservation

ABSTRACT

An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space. A method of modifying the atmosphere in a food storage space for food includes the steps of: providing a module capable of being removably engaged to an appliance and typically receiving power from the appliance and at least one removable gas canister; operatively connecting or otherwise engaging the module with the appliance; operatively connecting or otherwise engaging the module to a food storage area having an existing atmosphere; and removing at least a portion of the existing atmosphere from the food storage space and replacing it with a modified food storage atmosphere using at least one of the at least one removable gas canisters to supply the modified atmosphere to the food storage area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,775 filed on Mar. 12,2008, entitled REFRIGERATOR WITH SPACE MANAGEMENT MODULES.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed toward an appliancesystem that includes a module removably mounted to an appliance, one ormore removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and afood retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The oneor more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retainingenclosed space that enhances preservation of the food contained in thefood retaining enclosed space and is safe for use in connection withfood. The content of the modified atmosphere may be based upon the typeof food being stored in the food retaining enclosed space.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method ofmodifying the atmosphere in a food storage space for food based upon thetype of food being stored in the food storage space that includes thefollowing steps: providing a module capable of being removably engagedto an appliance and receiving power from the appliance and at least oneremovable gas canister; operatively connecting or otherwise engaging themodule with the appliance; operatively connecting or otherwise engagingthe module to a food storage area having an existing atmosphere; andremoving at least a portion of the existing atmosphere from the foodstorage space and replacing it with a modified food storage atmosphereusing at least one of the at least one removable gas canisters to supplythe modified atmosphere to the food storage area.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is generally directedtoward a kit that includes at least one gas canister containing a gas ora blend of gases where the gas canister is capable of engaging amounting location of a module where the module is capable of beingmounted to an inner liner of an appliance containing a refrigeratedspace and the appliance provides electrical power to the module and themodule uses the gas or blend of gases from the canister(s) to provide amodified atmosphere to food contained within a food retaining space thatis re-sealably air tight. The kit also typically includes instructionsthat are transmitted to the user of the gas canister or canisters toengage the gas canister(s) with the mounting location of the module.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentinvention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled inthe art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of a module ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevated front view of an embodiment of a module of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevated rear view of an embodiment of a module of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevated rear view of an embodiment of a module of thepresent invention with the rearward cover of the upper portion of themodule removed;

FIG. 5 is an elevated front view of a side-by-side refrigerator/freezerappliance with a module according to an embodiment of the presentinvention engaged to the inner door liner surface of the refrigeratorsection of the appliance;

FIG. 6 is an elevated front view of a side-by-side refrigerator/freezerappliance with a module according to an embodiment of the presentinvention engaged to the outer door surface of the appliance;

FIG. 7 is an elevated view of another embodiment of the presentinvention where the module receives power from the appliance using anelectrical umbilical connection between the module and the appliance;

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the present invention showing the use of onevalve to regulate flow of the gas into and out of the food retainingcompartment/space with the valve in the closed position to not allow gasto flow from the gas canister and depicting the gas being removed fromthe compartment/space;

FIG. 9 is the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 withthe valve in the open position with gas from the canister being suppliedto the food retaining compartment/space;

FIG. 10 is the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8-9with a second valve positioned between proximate the vacuum pump andproximate the compressed gas canister showing the system in the ambientgas removal mode;

FIG. 11 is the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 10showing the system supplying modified atmosphere to the food retainingcompartment/space with the valve proximate the compressed gas in theopen position and the valve proximate the vacuum pump in the closedposition;

FIG. 12 is another embodiment of the present invention showing aplurality of gas canisters in the ambient gas removal mode;

FIG. 13 is another embodiment of the present invention showing multiplecompressed gas canisters that can be connected through one inlet tosupply the modified atmosphere;

FIG. 14 is another embodiment of the present invention showing multiplegas canisters connected to one inlet to a gas storage chamber that isconnected to the modified atmosphere;

FIG. 15 is another embodiment of the present invention showing multiplegas canisters connected to multiple inlets to the gas storage chamberthat is connected to the modified atmosphere;

FIG. 16 shows a pressure v. time curve where the opening time of themodified atmosphere supplying valve (T₂-T₁) depends on the emptying time(T₁-T₀) and is calculated to have only a fraction of atmosphericpressure within the food retaining compartment/space when the modifiedatmosphere has been supplied to the food retaining compartment/space;

FIG. 17 shows a pressure v. time curve where the opening time for thevalves (T₂-T₁) depends on the emptying time (T₁-T₀) and the valvesproximate a plurality of gas canisters (a,b,c) are opened for acalculated time in order to build a predetermined partial pressure ofgases that form a predetermined blend of gases that make up a modifiedatmosphere;

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of a system for supplying a modifiedatmosphere to a rigid food retaining compartment/space according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of a system for supplying a modifiedatmosphere to a food retaining bag according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention generally relates to a removably connectablemodule that forms part of an appliance system. As shown in FIGS. 1-2,the appliance system typically contains a module 12 capable of forming amodified atmosphere within a food retaining compartment/space that has avolume in an appliance and/or façade or module receiving housing thatcan sit on a countertop and either be powered using a direct connectionor an umbilical-type power connection 11 or electrically connected to astandard electrical socket when the module receiving housing and themodule are placed on a countertop or the like. Typically, the appliance10 is a refrigerator, but conceivably could be any appliance such as arefrigerator and freezer combination, refrigerator, or freezer alone orcould also be a refrigerated space that receives cooler air from anothersource such as a freezer compartment. Most preferably, the appliancecontains a refrigerator compartment that has an inner liner. Whether atraditional appliance or a refrigerated space, the appliance typicallyis capable of providing electrical power to the module when the moduleis operatively connected to the appliance. Generally speaking, themodule operates to evacuate the food retaining compartment/space(typically a container, bag or other compartment/space 14). When thefood retaining compartment/space is a bag, it may be a heat-sealable bagand the bag may also optionally be either of fixed volume or expandable.When the food retaining compartment/space is a fixed volume container, afixed geometry container or a fixed volume compartment within themodule, the compartment typically has one or more valves.

The modified atmosphere injected into the food containingcompartment/space 14 extends the freshness of refrigerated food. Theatmosphere selected is customizable so that it best extends the life ofthe food or food group that the consumer wishes to extend the lifethereof.

The modified atmosphere module generally includes a housing 16 and acontrol device 18 typically positioned within the housing. The housingtypically contains an upper portion 20 and a lower portion 22 with thecontrol device typically contained within the upper portion 20 of thehousing 16 as well as two sides 24, a bottom surface 26 and a topsurface 28. The sides typically have at least one, more typically aplurality, substantially T-shaped appliance-receiving groove 30 that isformed by a raised substantially T-shaped portion 32 along the perimeterof the groove 30. This configuration operates by engaging matingelements of the appliance to retain the module in engagement with theappliance, usually along the liner of the appliance or other chamber ofthe appliance. Typically, the module engages the inner surface of theliner of the appliance 34 and the mating elements of the appliance arealong the inward facing surfaces 36 of the liner mutually facing oneanother. Typically, the module is held in engagement with the applianceat least partially, more typically substantially or entirely by pressurefit between the inward facing surfaces of the appliance and the sides ofthe module.

Typically, the upper portion of the module has at least one snap releasereceiving groove 38 along the sides of the module for receiving/engaginga push button snap release element 40 of a covering component 42 thatmay optionally contain a control panel 44 or be configured to allowaccess to a control panel that is a part of the module through anaperture/window 46 (typically along the user facing surface of themodule) when the covering component is engaged to the upper portion ofthe module. The covering is held in place at least partially by at leastone biased component, but more typically two or more biased components39 that frictionally engage the covering component, typically along thesides. Usually, the covering component contains at least one coverappendage 48 along each side of the covering component that operativelyconnects/engages upwardly extending cover receiving grooves 50 along thesides of the upper portion of the module.

Typically, the front/user facing surface of the lower portion of themodule is solid and typically will contain a projection portion 52 thatalso forms a recessed portion 54 in the opposite rearward facing side ofthe module. The lower portion of the module also typically contains auser removable gas canister cover 56 that covers at least one gascanister 58 or receptacle from view when the canister engages with thegas-canister receiving inlet. The lower portion of the module alsotypically incorporates a user-facing tray 59 that is typically capableof supporting the food retaining compartment/space with or without foodwithin the compartment. The tray also typically contains an optionallyremovable lattice structure 60 to allow small food components to fallbetween the spaces in the gridwork. Typically the lattice structure issized to fit within the entire tray but conceivably only a portion ofthe tray may include a lattice structure and the remainder of the traymay be flat and smooth or the tray could be entirely flat and smooth.Also, the tray could be textured to provide a slip resistant surface.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3-4, the rearward facing surface of the moduletypically contains an upper portion rearward-side cover 62 that coversthe main operating elements of the module contained within the upperportion of the module. The rearward-side cover 62 is typically held inplace with at least one, more typically a plurality of fasteners such asscrews 64. Typically the rearward side of the upper portion also has anappliance/power connector 66 that receives the connection from theappliance or other power source for the electrical power of the module.

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper portion of the module typically containsor is proximate at least one gas receiving inlet 68. The gas receivinginlet is typically spaced just within the lower portion of the module toallow easy connection of the canister through a typically circularaperture in the dividing wall 70 between the upper portion and the lowerportion of the module. Conceivably, a plurality of gas receivinginlets/connections can be utilized to receive a variety of different gascanisters. The gas canisters typically have a volume of about one literor less. The gas canisters and inlet(s) may be configured such that thegas canisters will only release gas when engaged to an inlet of themodule without damaging the canister. The canisters and/or inlet may beconfigured such that when the canister(s) is(are) operatively connectedto the inlet, the control device senses the type of gas contained withinthe canister. The module is also able to estimate or measure the amountof gas remaining in the canister that is connected to the inlet. The gascanisters may contain one of many different types of gases used tocreate a final modified atmosphere or may contain a mixture of gasespreblended to form a given modified atmosphere that best extends thelife of a given food product. It is also possible that the gas canisterwill contain a single gas that is the only gas used to create themodified atmosphere.

Typically, the gas proceeds through the inlet and then through apressure reducer 72 when gas is being supplied to the module. Thepressure reducer is typically engaged with the upper portion of themodule or held in place using a substantially C-shaped retainer 80 withtwo flat surfaces 82. The two flat surfaces typically each receive atleast one fastener, typically a screw, which also engages the upperportion of the housing of the module on the interior surface. The upperportion also typically contains one or more valves 74 that are typicallysolenoid valves as well as a vacuum pump 76. A substantially C-shapedvacuum pump bracket 86 with two substantially flat ledges retains thevacuum pump within the housing fasteners, typically screws that engagethe vacuum pump bracket and the housing. Optionally, a second vacuumpump stabilizing bracket 88 can be used to further stabilize the vacuumpump within the housing. Tubing 78 capable of having gas move within ittypically is used to distribute the gases and may be interconnectedusing connectors and/or one or more T-junction connectors 84. Typically,electrical wiring is used to distribute power to the electricallypowered elements of the module, including the solenoid valves, thecontrol device, and the vacuum pump.

The upper portion of the module also typically contains at least onecontrol device that is typically a control board in combination with arelay or a microcontroller. A microcontroller is a functional computersystem on a chip that typically contains a processor core, memory, andprogrammable input/output peripherals. The memory may be RAM, programmemory or both. The control device is typically connected with an inputreceiving device for receiving instructions from a user. Typically theinput from the user in the case of the module of the present inventionis a control panel with push button or touch sensitive controls. Theinput receiving device is configured to receive input from the userincluding what type of modified atmosphere is desired. The controldevice is configured to be responsive to input from the user thatinstructs the control device to perform steps based at least in partupon the user input. The control device typically operates to controlvarious other components of the module including the vacuum pump and theopening and closing of the valves. The control device, in the case of amicrocontroller, typically has memory that utilizes a calibration curvefor estimating the free volume in a container based upon the timenecessary to remove ambient air in the food retaining space to apredetermined level at least substantially below ambient pressure andalso based upon one or more characteristics of the vacuum pump (forexample, the vacuum pump's strength). Typically, the calibration curveis stored in the memory of the microcontroller. In this manner, thecontrol device can approximate when to turn off the vacuum pump andbegin to supply modified atmosphere to the food retainingcompartment/space.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, optionally, the module may containone or more gas storage chambers 90 typically within the module wherethe gas storage chamber(s) are operably connected to the food retainingcompartment/space and the chamber(s) can be filled from individualcorresponding inlets that receive a gas canister or can be filledthrough the use of one inlet and valves, typically solenoid valvespositioned outside each chamber such that one or more specified gasstorage chambers are filled at a given time from the gas canisters. Thegas storage chamber could be used to supply all or a portion of themodified atmosphere to the food retaining compartment/space. When only aportion is supplied, the remainder of a given gas for the modifiedatmosphere can be supplied from the gas canister engaged to the inlet.

The module may also contain a heat-sealing element, which operates toseal the bag, including a flexible bag when such bags are used at a foodstorage compartment/space. When utilized, the heat sealing element canbe positioned where most convenient to the user, typically in the upperportion of the module and accessible to the user, more typically alongthe front surface of the module and accessible to the user.

The module can also contain one or more sensors or switches. Thesedevices can be used to measure and/or detect when the desired pressurelevel is reached inside the food retaining compartment/space. In oneembodiment, a pressure sensor can be used to measure the pressureproduced as a result of the gas or gases being filled into the foodretaining compartment/space. Even in the case of different gases, thesensor can monitor the pressure contribution of each gas filled insequence (see FIGS. 16-17). Another alternative is to use one or morepressure switches to detect when, during the modified atmosphereinjection process, the pressure rises to the appropriate level in thefood retaining compartment/space and stop the process. This is typicallyachieved through the use of at least two pressure switches, but coulduse one pressure switch that uses the hysteresis of the first switch todetect when to stop/start the process. Also, a standard switch can beutilized to estimate the free volume in the food retainingcompartment/space. In this instance, the time to empty or substantiallyempty the food retaining compartment is measured by the control device,typically a microcontroller. The microcontroller typically uses acalibration curve (container free volume vs. emptying time) for thespecific vacuum pump being utilized in the module to determine thecontainer free volume and therefore the amount of time to allow modifiedgas or mixture of gases to flow into the container to prepare themodified atmosphere at a predetermined pressure level. The sensor couldalso be a light or other optical sensor used to regulate the amount ofthe modified atmosphere by measuring, for example, the characteristicsof how much light is allowed to reach the sensor and/or how light isdeflected

As shown in FIGS. 16-17, switching on the vacuum pump at the time T₀,the container starts to empty at a decreasing rate because less gas isextracted by the pump over time. After time T₁-T₀, which depends on thevolume of the food retaining compartment/space, the pressure reaches thepredetermined vacuum level P₁. The microcontroller can use this time(T₁-T₀) to estimate the free volume inside the food retainingcompartment/space using the calibration curve. It is then possible tocalculate the amount of gas required to achieve the target pressure P₂.Typically, this is done by the microcontroller, which communicates withthe solenoid valve and the solenoid valve opens to allow gas flow fromthe gas storage chamber and/or gas canister. Similarly, the above can beused when various bottles of gases are used to fill the food retainingcontainer/space, which is typically the case when multiple canisters ofdifferent gas as opposed to a canister with a predetermined blend ofdifferent gases is used to create the modified atmosphere. In such acase, more than one valve (three valves a, b, and c are shown in FIG.17) are opened for a time interval corresponding to the amount of gasneeded to form the modified atmosphere. The valves are typically openedindependently in order to have the required gas mixture inside thecontainer. T_(2a)-T₁ is the opening time for the first valve, T_(2b)-T₂₃is the opening time of the second valve, T_(2c)-T_(2b) is the openingtime for the third valve in FIG. 17. When forming the modifiedatmosphere it is typically desirable to keep the final modifiedatmosphere pressure less then atmospheric pressure to ensure theautomatic sealing of the food retaining compartment/space. Typically,the final modified atmosphere pressure is about ½ atmospheric pressureor about ½ atmospheric pressure or less.

The modified atmospheres for use over food products according to anembodiment of the present invention include a modified atmosphere for ameat product, a dairy product, a fruit product, a vegetable product anda fish product. The modified atmosphere may be either oxygen rich orhave a reduced oxygen content compared to ambient air. Also, themodified atmospheres of the present invention also typically operate toreduce both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens in the food stored under themodified atmosphere. The modified atmosphere for the meat producttypically contains about 70% by volume oxygen, about 20% by volumecarbon dioxide, and about 10% by volume nitrogen. The modifiedatmosphere for the fish product typically contains about 40% by volumecarbon dioxide and about 60% by volume nitrogen. The modified atmospherefor fruits or vegetables typically contains from about 3% to about 10%by volume oxygen, from about 3% to about 10% by volume carbon dioxide,and from about 80% to about 94% by volume nitrogen. The modifiedatmosphere for dairy products typically contains from about 10% to about30% by volume carbon dioxide and from about 70% to about 90% by volumenitrogen. Applicants also believe that a modified atmosphere can be usedfor medications. For example, medications that might be prone tooxidation might have their shelf life improved by being stored in acontainer with a modified atmosphere with reduced oxygen content toprevent or retard oxidation. The modified atmosphere is typically overthe medication.

A method of producing a modified atmosphere within a rigid containertypically includes the steps shown in FIG. 18 and described below.First, a food to be stored under a modified atmosphere is placed withinthe container. Next, the rigid container is engaged to the modifiedatmosphere module. This can be by a screw-type engagement with the lidof the container or by other sealing type arrangement. Typically, arigid container uses at least one valve to allow gas flow into and outof the container. Next, the user activates the module by pressing the“start” button on the control panel, which is typically located on thefront of the module. The control device, a control board with a relay ora microcontroller, then switches on the vacuum pump and solenoid valveto allow gas to flow out of the container. Typically, a pressure switchdetects the pressure level inside the container. When the pressure levelreaches a level at or below at least about 500 mBar, the pressure switchsends a signal to the control device and the control device records thevacuum time and turns off the vacuum pump and solenoid valve. Next, thecontrol device switches the solenoid valve blocking the flow of gas fromthe compressed gas cylinder into the open position and the gas or gasmixture is allowed to flow into the container. Typically, the gas is agas mixture of preblended gas for a given modified atmosphere that isdesired. The control board then switches off the solenoid valve after atime interval depending on vacuum time. Optionally, multiple vacuum andgas injection process can be used to obtain the desired gas compositioninside the container. Finally, the container that has the modifiedatmosphere is sealed and removed from engagement with the module.

A method of producing a modified atmosphere within a (flexible) bagcontainer typically includes the steps shown in FIG. 19 and describedbelow. The bag is attached to the module and the user pushes the “start”button. The control device switches on the vacuum pump and the solenoidvalve thereby allowing gas to flow out of the bag. The vacuum pump pullsthe gas from within the bag. When the pressure level reaches a level ator below at least about 500 mBar, the pressure switch sends a signal tothe control device and turns off the vacuum pump and solenoid valve.Next, the control device switches the solenoid valve blocking the flowof gas from the compressed gas cylinder into the open position and thegas or gas mixture is allowed to flow into the bag. Typically, the gasis a gas mixture of preblended gas for a given modified atmosphere thatis desired. Optionally, multiple vacuum and gas injection processes canbe used to obtain the desired gas composition inside the bag. Thecontrol board then switches off the solenoid valve after about 5seconds. Next, the control device typically turns on the heat sealer forabout 7 seconds or for such time as necessary to form an air tight sealon the bag. Finally, the container that has the modified atmosphere isremoved from engagement with the modified atmosphere module.

While a vacuum pump is typically used to draw ambient gas from withinthe food retaining compartment/space and the gas forming the modifiedatmosphere thereafter added to the food retaining compartment/space, itis also possible to form a modified atmosphere according to anotherembodiment of the present invention by using overpressure of modifiedatmosphere to force out the amount of ambient gas and replace thisambient gas with the modified atmosphere.

In another aspect of the present invention, the present inventionincludes a kit that typically includes at least: (1) at least one gascanister containing a gas or a blend of gases where the gas canister iscapable of engaging a mounting location of a module and wherein themodule is capable of being mounted to an inner liner of an appliancecontaining a refrigerator space and the appliance provides electricalpower to the module and the module uses the gas or blend of gases fromthe canister to provide a modified atmosphere to food contained within afood retaining space that is re-sealably air tight; and (2) instructionsthat are transmitted to the user of the gas canister or canisters toengage the gas canister with the mounting location of the module. Theinstructions can be transmitted along with the gas canister or canistersor via a network of computers such as the Internet via a web site or webpage hosted on a computer server accessible over the Internet. Also, asdiscussed above, the canister(s) can be constructed with an engagementoutlet that will only allow air flow from the canister without damagingthe canister when the canister is connected with the inlet of themodule.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodimentsonly. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in theart and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it isunderstood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and describedabove are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit thescope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims asinterpreted according to the principles of patent law, including theDoctrine of Equivalents.

1. An appliance system comprising: a module removably mounted to anappliance; one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to themodule; and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to themodule wherein the one or more gas canisters operate to supply amodified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce amodified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained inthe food retaining enclosed space and is safe for use in connection withfood and wherein the content of the modified atmosphere is based uponthe type of food being stored in the food retaining enclosed space;wherein the module includes a connector such that the module receiveselectrical power from the appliance via the connector when the module ismounted to the appliance, and the module is capable of receiving powervia the connector from an external source.
 2. The appliance system ofclaim 1, wherein different modified atmospheres are capable of beingproduced and maintained within the food retaining enclosed space.
 3. Theappliance system of claim 2, wherein the different modified atmospheresinclude a separate atmosphere for meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, anddairy products and wherein the module is removably engaged to an innerlining of a door of the appliance and the appliance includes arefrigerator compartment.
 4. The appliance system of claim 2, whereinthe different modified atmospheres include a reduced oxygen contentatmosphere and a substantially increased oxygen content atmosphererelative to ambient air content.
 5. The appliance system of claim 4,wherein the food retaining enclosed space comprises a food retainingenclosed space chosen from a heat-sealable plastic bag, a fixed volumecontainer with at least one valve, a fixed geometry container with atleast one moveable geometric feature so that the volume can be expandedor contracted and at least one valve, and a fixed volume compartmentwithin the module having at least one valve and wherein the foodretaining enclosed space is air-tight when sealed such that it iscapable of maintaining the modified atmosphere for a period of a leasttwo days.
 6. The appliance system of claim 1, wherein one gas canisteris operably connected to the module at a time and the modifiedatmosphere operates to reduce both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. 7.The appliance system of claim 6, wherein the gas canister has apredetermined blend of gases for a given type of food product whereinthe food product comprises a food product chosen from the groupconsisting of a meat product, a dairy product, a fruit product, avegetable product and a fish product and wherein the modified atmospherefor the meat product contains about 70% by volume oxygen, about 20% byvolume carbon dioxide, and about 10% by volume nitrogen; the modifiedatmosphere for the fish product contains about 40% by volume carbondioxide and about 60% by volume nitrogen; the modified atmosphere forfruits or vegetables contains from about 3% to about 10% by volumeoxygen, from about 3% to about 10% by volume carbon dioxide, and fromabout 80% to about 94% by volume nitrogen; and the modified atmospherefor dairy products contains from about 10% to about 30% by volume carbondioxide and from about 70% to about 90% by volume nitrogen.
 8. Theappliance system of claim 1, wherein the module further comprises atleast one gas storage chamber that is filled with a selected modifiedatmosphere received from the at least one gas canister.
 9. The appliancesystem of claim 8, wherein the at least one gas storage chamber ispositioned within the module and the gas storage chamber is operablyconnected to the food retaining enclosed space such that when a modifiedatmosphere is applied to the food retaining enclosed space, and themodified atmosphere is at least partially supplied to the food retainingenclosed space by the at least one gas storage chamber.
 10. Theappliance system of claim 1, wherein the module further comprises aplurality of gas storage chambers that are capable of being individuallyfilled by the gas canisters when the gas canisters are operablyconnected to the module via a single connection and wherein the filledgas storage chambers at least partially supply the modified atmosphereto the food retaining enclosed space and wherein a computer controlregulates the amount of each gas to achieve a user determined modifiedatmosphere where the user determined modified atmosphere is based uponthe type of food being stored in the food retaining enclosed space andwherein the computer control further includes one or more sensors thatregulate the amount of gas from one or more of the filled gas storagechambers.
 11. The appliance system of claim 10, wherein the computercontrol further comprises one or more sensors that identify the amountof ambient air leaving the food retaining enclosed space when ambientair is vacuumed from the food retaining enclosed space prior to amodified atmosphere being installed into the food retaining enclosedspace.
 12. The appliance system of claim 10, wherein each gas storagechamber supplies a separate gas to the food retaining enclosed space andthe amount of each gas is regulated by a control valve such that apredetermined amount of each gas is supplied to the food retainingenclosed space based upon the type of food being stored in the foodretaining enclosed space.
 13. The appliance system of claim 12, whereinthe gas canisters further comprise a content indicator that identifiesthe contents of the gas canister.
 14. The appliance system of claim 1,wherein the module further comprises a gas inlet and the gas canistersfurther comprise an outlet and wherein the gas canisters and the gasinlet are adapted to only mate with one another and gas will not leavethe canister unless the gas canister is engaged to the gas inlet withoutdamaging the gas canister.
 15. The appliance system of claim 14 furthercomprising a computer control operably engaged to the module thatoperates to regulate the amount of gas within the food retainingenclosed space.
 16. The appliance system of claim 1, wherein the moduleengages one of an outside surface of the appliance and a portable modulereceiving housing, wherein the module includes a connector configured toreceive electrical power from one of the appliance and the portablemodule receiving housing.
 17. A method of modifying the atmosphere in afood storage space for food based upon the type of food being stored inthe food storage space comprising the following steps: providing amodule and at least one removable gas canister, the module capable ofbeing removably engaged to an appliance and receiving power from one ofthe appliance through an electrical connector on an appliance engagingsurface of the module that is received by the appliance and an externalsource when the module is not mounted to the appliance; wherein theappliance comprises an appliance chosen from the group selected from arefrigerator, a freezer, and a refrigerator-freezer; operativelyconnecting the module with the appliance; providing electrical power tothe module from the appliance through the electrical connector of themodule; operatively connecting the module to a food storage area havingan existing atmosphere; and removing at least a portion of the existingatmosphere from the food storage space and replacing it with a modifiedfood storage atmosphere using at least one of the at least one removablegas canisters to supply the modified atmosphere to the food storagearea.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the module further comprises acomputer control device that communicates with the user and sensorswherein the computer control device and the sensors cooperate toregulate and track the amount of ambient air removed from the foodstorage space and configure the total amount of modified atmosphere toadd to the food storage space.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein thetotal amount of modified atmosphere is supplied from a plurality ofseparate gas storage chambers within the module that separately containdifferent gases or blends of gases.
 20. A kit comprising: at least onegas canister containing a gas or a blend of gases wherein the gascanister is capable of engaging a mounting location of a module and thegas canister is positioned entirely within the module when engaged tothe module, and wherein the module is capable of being removably mountedto an inner liner of an appliance door wherein the appliance contains arefrigerator space and the module receives electrical power from theappliance and the module uses the gas or blend of gases from thecanister to provide a modified atmosphere to food contained within afood retaining space that is re-sealably air tight; and instructionsthat are transmitted to the user of the gas canister or canisters toengage the gas canister with the mounting location of the module.